Grief and Unity: Honoring the Memory of Children Lost in Ukraine
On the national day of mourning, April 6, the Ukrainian community gathered in Valencia in front of the Basilica of the Virgin Mary for a silent performance to commemorate the children who lost their lives due to a Russian terror attack in Kryvyi Rih on April 4.
“This event became a powerful artistic testimony and a deep human cry that cannot be forgotten,” the organizers stated.
The performance began with a prayer led by Father Alvaro, a priest from the Basilica. Addressing the attendees in Spanish, he explained why they were gathered: “We are here to pay tribute to those lost, without banners or placards, just pain in our hearts.”
During the performance, not only lullabies were played, but also actual audio recordings from the tragedy in Kryvyi Rih, featuring the voices of parents and children, cries, and warnings of further missile strikes.
“This was one of the most painful moments that conveyed the harsh reality of war without embellishments,” the organizers added.
The participants also recited the “Our Father” together, followed by a moment of silence.
The event was initiated by the Ukrainian diaspora in Valencia, with the performance created and executed by volunteer, activist, and director Pavlo Bekezin.
Up to 200 people from Valencia and other cities in Spain participated, including Halpa, Sagunto, Denia, Gandia, San Pedro del Pinatar, Cullera, and even from Poland and other European countries.
“Spaniards, friends of Ukrainians, and passersby joined in, listened, returned with toys, embraced, and cried. Tears were everywhere. This was grief shared among nations,” the organizers wrote.
At the initiative of the church servants, memorial services for each lost child will be held in the Basilica of the Virgin Mary throughout the following week, each evening by name.
“We thank Valencia for your embraces, for your grief, for your actions. But the time for sympathy has passed. Now is the time for decisive actions,” the community stated.
